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Wednesday, 29 September 2010

Online journalism is a form of media which is constantly growing. Since the development of the World Wide Web in the early 1990’s by Tim Berners - Lee it has grown to be an integral part of everyday life as well as being a vital distributer of news and information. There are many views on whether this is a good thing or not and many journalists opinions vary depending on how they think its best communicated. Journalist Phillip Trippenbach has shared the opinion that there is a journalism revolution where the ways in which information and news is shared is about to significantly change, mainly in the format which it is presented. Trippenbach is a firm believer that games are the main way in which news will be shared purely on the statistics of the volume of users. With 100% of the future technological generation playing games (ages 6-10) means that this could possibly be a correct analysis of the future progression of journalism. With his beliefs of story modes and methods of presenting news I believe it could be a new and progressive way of presenting media to the general public. However I believe the traditional forms are never going to die and therefore I think the foundations of his argument for the media revolution are unfounded and although it could be a popular format, I don’t think it will become a primary news giver.

Wednesday, 14 April 2010

I am going to write about something which is very close to my heart, however my writing here isn’t to get a reaction out of anyone, and it is merely to make a point.

The fact that homosexual males can’t give blood is one that is accepted by many people due to the stigma of gay people having aids as it’s the ‘gay disease’. This clearly isn’t the case as many straight men and women have unfortunately contracted this awful disease and it is a backward opinion that every gay person has aids.

I understand that the blood banks have to make sure that their samples they have are clean and safe for everyone to use to prevent the spread of disease for those who need blood. However surely there are plenty of homosexual people who have suitable blood who are being discounted purely on something they can’t control and on decisions they have made. It states on the website that you are not allowed to give blood if ‘You're a man who's had sex with another man, even safe sex using a condom.’ This basically discounts the whole gay community even if they have practised safe sex.

Is this a small attack on the gay community? How it is possible for a straight person to have unprotected sex and lie about it and give blood. But if you are gay and have had sex there is no way in which you can give blood.

My friend stated that ‘gay people can give blood if they are tested and screened beforehand’. That is fine if it was made clear on the website that this is possible. However it outright discounts the gay community with the statement on the website. Also if gay people can give blood if they are tested etc, why should they be? When it’s just as easy for a straight male to contract a disease as a gay male yet the gay male can’t give blood just because of his chosen sexual partner.

I find it infuriating and totally backward as with all of the technology we have nowadays surely everyone should be able to give blood despite gender, race or sexuality as long as the blood is clear from disease. I think it’s about time that the gay community stood up and said it’s not fair as why should be we be discounted as a community purely on what a small amount of people who believe this ancient gay tag.

Wednesday, 24 March 2010

The World Wide Web is bigger now than it ever has been and with new developments constantly being made such as faster streaming and a variety of random new websites it is becoming an even bigger phenomenon.

However with this new found improvements and understanding towards the internet and with it being policed at a very low level it has become the perfect ground for the likes of stalkers, paedophiles and online bulling. These disturbing trends are becoming more and more common and its not only costing the tax payers money to try and sort out and prevent these awful things occurring, it is becoming a serious issue with more and more people dieing from internet related issues.

The question is being asked, is the Internet becoming out of hand?

With more and more people hiding behind false names and nicknames on the web to hide their actions and not dealing with anything in ‘reality’ it is giving people a false sense of confidence thinking they can do whatever they like as they wont get caught and they don’t have to deal with the consequences.

An example of this is ‘Pro Anna’ or Pro Anorexia websites, which are constantly under watch of online monitors in an attempt to close them down. However every time one is closed down, a new one opens under a new name, which means that the authorities attempting to protect young people being prayed on by this type of thing are fighting a losing battle against those who know how to hide in the vast sea of information.

There have been calls to have an online police to keep everything in check while surfing, but would this jeopardize the vastness of information that can be found on the Internet and would become a useless resource.

The question, which needs to be answered, is, when does personal responsibility begin and where do authorities have to intervene, as at the moment I can’t see this disgusting trend from ending.

Thursday, 11 March 2010

I thought that it was fitting that I introduce myself before posting anything else as I have noticed and I'm sure you have as well, that my spelling and grammar is pretty dismal considering I am a journalism student.

However, new post calls for a fresh start and an attempt to stop my head speeding off with ideas of what to write, leaving my fingers behind in a confused state.

So, when I was told I had to start a blog the first thing that came to my head was SUGABABES...seriously it was. However, I don't think that the general public would be that interested in me talking about which is my favoured Sugababe and all the reasons which have lead to this conclusion.

I have now decided that my future posts will have a serious note throughout and will attempt to keep on the straight and narrow of journalism in all its values...hopefully...no promises.